Handbook of UV Degradation and Stabilization

A comprehensive reference guide for engineers and scientists designing with plastics, and formulating plastics materials. It explains the effects of UV light on plastics, and how to mitigate its effects through the use of UV stabilizers. It surveys the range of UV stabilizers on the market, and provides advice on their selection and use.

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UV and other forms of radiation cause severe damage to a wide range of materials from living organisms to manufactured products. Plastics materials and products exposed to UV light suffer weakening, discoloring and degradation. In this book, George Wypych provides a comprehensive reference guide to help those working with plastics to limit this damage and deterioration through the use of UV stabilizers.

The author begins with physics of radiation energy, transmission, and absorption and their effect on materials. The wide range of UV stabilizers available in the market is discussed in terms of their chemistry, physical properties, application specifics, and effects on health and environment. The mechanisms and functionality of stabilizers are discussed and explained through mathematical modeling. Stabilizers are evaluated from the point of view of their effect on other additives in mixtures, and on the efficiency of the materials they are used in. Suggestions are given regarding the selection of stabilizers for different products and polymers.